Wednesday, June 2, 2010

This past weekend we took our FIRST EVER family trip to the pool! I know, can you believe it? It was so fun! Last summer Ella spent about 20 minutes total in a swimming pool on two different occasions and one involved a projectile vomiting episode so needless to say this was our first pleasant experience in a pool. We've never gone together as a whole family so this was a fun little outing for us and Ella loved the water. She did great and loved splashing around. It's a simple thing but it was fun for us and I'm so excited to finally be able to take her to the pool and let her play.

I've been a little nervous about taking Ella to a public pool with the whole G-Button thing. I don't know, it just kind of gives me the heeby-jeebies thinking that this is a hole into her body that's not supposed to be there and what if she gets some kind of weird infection or something because of dirty pool water. I did some research, called her surgeon and asked around and no one has seemed concerned or had any great ideas of how to cover it besides putting a waterproof bandage over it so I justs decided to not think too much about it and just go with it. However, if any of you feeding tube friends out there have any advice on that that I'm not aware of I'm open for ideas. I do want to clarify and say that she does get regular baths at home (someone just asked me about that which is why I bring it up) but that's different because we're in our own water and it's not being used by hundreds of people. Just so you all don't worry that I don't bathe my child...no worries, she is very clean. :)

So, instead of covering it we just did the little rubber band trick and rubber banded her button closed, which is the most GENIUS idea for leaky buttons or ones that won't stay closed very well. Thanks to Ella's surgeon for this great idea! We only discovered this need last year because the first button Ella had was SUPER leaky and if it came open (which it did all the time) everything she just ate or had in her stomach would come pouring out. Not cool on several levels. I'll spare you the stories about leaky G-buttons and stomach contents. :) Anywho, there's your G-Button tip of the day, little rubber bands work wonders. So back to the pool, we just went on our merry way and I just tried not to think about gross germs. Here are some pictures of the girls as we are getting ready to go...they can hardly contain their excitement. Mrrrr....mrrrr.The happy campers, all greased up with sunscreen and ready to goThe looks of excitement are just too much to handle aren't they?Oh, ok, I think I'm starting to see a little smile and a gleam in the eyesAaahhh, there's the smile I've been waiting for. Me and ElsIsn't she sweet?

We had a fun time and are looking forward to many more days spent at the pool this summer. I had to try and find a swimsuit this past weekend too which is a whole other story in itself. Let me just say that having the whole fam plus a huge stroller in a dressing room at Academy and trying to try on swimsuits is not the way to go. Yes, the whole fam was there and if you remember I do have some strict pool rules, one being that the third party opinion is crucial and a must when picking out a swimsuit but honestly, there's got to be a better way. Anyway, happy swimming everyone!

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comments:

I love those bathing beauties! So cute. I especially love the look Evs is giving you. Classic! I want to hear all about trying on swimsuits. Was there a yellow bikini in the mix? More than anything, I am so excited you guys got to go to the pool as a family AND have a great time. What a praise! It's the little things.

water babies! my favs! just letting you know that i taught swim lessons to a boy with a button (he was like 5yrs) and everything was fine! the only thing i was careful of was not to hit it against the wall when he was climbing out of the pool! i want to hit the pool with you soon.... :)

What beautiful pool babes! That last pic of Ella Bella just melts my heart. I am soooo glad you guys got to have a fun family pool day and was loving the rubber band idea for the leaky g-button.... genious! Remind me to tell you about the phonecall I got from B's school when his g-button fell out at school.....I tell you, the drama never ends. LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Aimes...great post! I LOVE the pics of the girls in their suits. Ella looks like she is getting so big! I just miss those two so much--they are growing up and changing so fast! They are both so beautiful. I love how they are standing and totally giving you the "cool girl" stance and looks--I mean, are they 15 already? :) I also had an idea for next time you are swimsuit shopping...just take pictures of yourself in the various options, post them on the ol' blog, and we, your faithful readers, will vote and vow honest feedback, good? Love you Carders--keep enjoying doing all these little "normal" things. Last summer seems like miles away from how great Ella is doing now--God is faithful.

They are so beautiful Amy!! I have missed those sweet girls! Hopefully we will get to see each other when the "crew" comes back for a visit! I am so proud of you and how you make everything so fun & special! You are an inspiration to all of us and we really are so happy that Ella is doing better! Eva looked so much like Brynn in the stroller picture, don't you think?? Precious!!love you!